Dareu Dream vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Dream and KTT Mint both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Dream is a linear switch known for its light and easy-to-press feel, with a clacky sound profile, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts who value quality and affordability. On the other hand, the KTT Mint is also a linear switch but stands out for its smooth typing experience and poppy thockiness due to its long pole stem. With a light and fleeting type feel, this switch is favored for its low-pitched sound and polished keypress. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and the KTT Mint both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is especially useful for switches that plan on utilizing RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for light to pass through easily. However, while both keyboards share this common top housing material, they differentiate themselves in the bottom housing material. The Dream utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Mint's polycarbonate bottom housing, which creates a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material can impact the overall typing experience on each keyboard.
In terms of sound characteristics, the top housing material has a bigger impact on the sound when letting go of a key, while the bottom housing material affects the sound during the bottom-out process. This means that the Dream and the Mint will offer distinct typing experiences due to their different bottom housing materials. The Dream's nylon bottom housing will provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a more rounded sound. On the other hand, the Mint's polycarbonate bottom housing will absorb less sound, resulting in a crisper and sharper sound profile that may appeal to those who prefer a more distinct typing experience.
Despite their differences in bottom housing material, the Dareu Dream and the KTT Mint both prioritize sound quality through their choice of materials. The utilization of polycarbonate in the top housing of both keyboards has a significant impact on the overall sound profile, creating a sharp and clear sound. However, the variation in bottom housing material between nylon and polycarbonate allows for distinct sound profiles and typing experiences between the two keyboards. Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Dream and the KTT Mint will come down to personal preference in sound characteristics and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, we can see that the Dream has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Mint's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Mint is 53 grams, while the bottom out force of the Dream is unknown. This means that the Mint is slightly heavier both in actuation and bottom out force compared to the Dream. For those who prefer a lighter feel while typing for extended periods, the Dream may be the preferable option. On the other hand, if a stronger push feel is desired for a more substantial typing experience, the Mint may be the better choice. Both switches offer different weights to cater to the preferences of different users, allowing for a customizable typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, it can be said that they both offer a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance. This means that whether you choose the Dareu Dream or the KTT Mint, you can expect to get similar results in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This feature can be beneficial for users who prefer a specific travel distance for their typing needs. Overall, the travel distance of both the Dareu Dream and the KTT Mint linear switches is the same, providing a familiar feel regardless of which one you choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Dream has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dream for $3.76.
The KTT Mint comes in at $2.91 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The Dareu Dream linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various typing environments. In terms of feel, both switches provide a gentle typing experience, with the Dream being easy-to-press and mild, offering minimal resistance and a low-impact feel. The Mint, on the other hand, also offers a mild typing experience but is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience with reduced friction.
Overall, while the Dareu Dream and KTT Mint switches differ slightly in sound characteristics, both offer a similar mild and approachable typing feel. Whether you choose the Dream for its clacky sound or the Mint for its polished finish, you can expect a satisfying and comfortable typing experience with either switch option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and aesthetics, as both the Dream and Mint switches provide high-quality performance at an affordable price point for enthusiasts looking to enhance their typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, consider the following guidelines. Opt for the Dareu Dream if you prioritize a very light linear option with an attractive price point, making it ideal for enthusiasts seeking a balance of quality and affordability. On the other hand, choose the KTT Mint if you prefer a smooth linear switch with a poppy thockiness and a light, fleeting typing feel. Additionally, if you enjoy a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the KTT Mint may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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